Open-door plan foiled by protesters

The House and Senate had planned simultaneous passage of their respective redistricting bills this morning with the doors of both chambers open so the two presiding officers could see each other gavel approval of the bills. Neither chamber wanted to be first approving the other’s redistricting plan because a redistricting bill could be held hostage to negotiations on other legislation.

That plan was foiled by loud demonstrations against public education budget cuts outside the House and Senate chambers this morning. House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst kept each other advised by telephone, however; Straus announced the Senate’s passage of the House redistricting bill seconds after gaveling House approval of the Senate plan. The news was greeted with applause.